Paddling The Blue Podcast

Author: John Chase

John Chase interviews inspiring paddlers from the US and across the globe doing great things from the seat of a kayak. If you want to learn about sea kayaking destinations, trips, and personalities from the world of paddle sports, we have you covered!
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Language: en

Genres: Sports, Wilderness

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#158 - Kayaking Madagascar: Chasing the Mangoky Source to Sea with Oscar Scafidi
Episode 158
Monday, 9 February, 2026

Oscar Scafidi is a schoolteacher turned explorer specializing in Africa. Oscar joins today’s episode to share his expedition to kayak Madagascar’s Mangok River from source to sea. Oscar describes the months of planning, the grueling approach to the source, and the challenges of navigating largely unexplored river sections. Today's episode covers heavy portages, unpredictable terrain, local guides and communities, wildlife encounters (lemurs, crocodiles and more), and the logistics of carrying a Klepper folding kayak. Oscar also discusses the Guinness World Record process, fundraising for the charity Our Kids, Our Future Madagascar, and his related book and documentary. Kayaking the Mangoky (Amazon) Kayaking the Mangoky (YouTube) KayakingtheMangoky.com Kayaking the Kwanza (YouTube) Kayaking the Kwanza (Amazon) Klepper Mangoky River Remove River Expeditions Our kids our future Madagascar